At first glance, North Carolina’s famous natural landmark known as Pilot Mountain may look like a volcano. Stretching more then 2,000 feet above sea level, Pilot Mountain is a monadnock located at the westernmost end of the Sauratown mountains and is definitely not a volcano.

The great mountain peak towers over the landscape, looming like a volcano — but the rocks at the peak prove otherwise.
Wikipedia/CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz
On its peak, quartizite gives striking evidence of the mountain's ancient submergence underneath a great ocean that once covered the land. Piles of sand are known to be scattered about, before they're washed further down the mountain and into the Dan River Valley.
Google Local/Kelly Underwood
Beloved today as one of the most prominent of natural landmarks, Pilot Mountain has served as a guide post for travelers for centuries.
GDollyhite / iStock / Getty Image Plus
Even in the early days of the automobile, local and traveling families alike considered reaching the unique peak a bit of a rite of passage for any trip.
Flickr/Forest History Society

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Prior to European settlement, the Native Americans had long considered Pilot Mountain a landmark.
waymarking.com/PFF
The Saura Indians (a.k.a. Cheraw) thought of it as a guide and called it "Jomeokee," which translates to Great Guide.
In 1968, the state established Pilot Mountain State Park, a natural, since the peak fascinated so many tourists.
Flickr/Tim Gilliam
The park includes difficult access to the very peak of Pilot Mountain and a nearby sister peak that's much easier to access. Both have extensive views of the valley below.
Google Local/Josh Flodin
The park is typically open year-round and offers hiking, camping, rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking, and equestrian trails.
Flickr/Stacey Franklin

Before heading to Pilot Mountain State Park, please check the official website to verify hours of operation. Also, be aware that this state park has a small parking area and once it is full, you will either be asked to wait until someone leaves – or rangers may suggest another nearby park (such as Hanging Rock State Park) instead.

Know of another cool place in North Carolina that we should feature here? Nominate it for a feature article like this one!

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Featured Addresses
Pilot Mountain State Park, 1721 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043, USA